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As mentioned in my last blog post, the dreaded term "kissing spines" is being mentioned more frequently. So, what actually is kissing spines? Formally known as 'Over Riding Dorsal Spinous Processes', this describes the touching of two or more vertebrae in the horse's back. This can cause pain, restricted movement and, over time, changes in posture and performance. Before we delve into the "why's" behind this, let's discuss how we can help protect your horse's back, and reduce

Introduction As an Equine Physiotherapist and rider, I have always wondered how different riding styles effect the horse - particularly in dressage. Horses are reaching higher levels at younger ages, and conditions such as kissing spines  are the most common back-related issue in dressage horses. This curiosity inspired my master's dissertation, where I explored how sitting and rising trot affect the equine spine, on a circle and a straight line. I wanted to understand the im